Although Cochrane-based stunt director Steven McMichael’s career has already brought him nominations at the highly regarded Taurus World Stunt Awards, the recent nomination at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA), felt especially meaningful. Not only was it Canadian and shared with his wife and fellow stunt professional, Leslie McMichael, but it also came with the thrill of winning.
“I sit here at my desk and I look at it every day, and I’m still sort of dumbfounded and in awe more than anything,” he said.
Cochrane may be far from Hollywood, but its people and landscapes continue to leave a mark on both television and film. This year, the McMichaels’ CSA win adds another chapter to that story.
“You can put the CSA awards show up with the Oscars or the BAFTAs,” said Steven. “We were quite shocked when we got nominated, to be truthfully honest.”
The couple was recognized for their work on Wynonna Earp: Vengeance and found themselves in the company of some of Canada’s top stunt coordinators, including Jean Frenette for Dark Match, Sean and Rick Skene for Deaner '89, John Stead for Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, and James Binkley and Andrew Simpson for Out Come the Wolves.
“The great thing the CSA does is highlight Canadian-made films, which is really good for the industry and for Canada in general,” Steven noted.
The McMichaels’ achievement adds to Cochrane’s growing connections to the film industry. Steven says they may be the ones in the spotlight right now, but the community is home to a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes talent.
“We have multiple people that work in the film industry living in Cochrane,” he explained. “Between grips, hair and makeup, actors, Leslie and I as stunt people, and even directors and producers, talent is starting to show up and you could see it.”
The town itself has also enjoyed its share of screen time. Steven points out that Cochrane has been featured in productions like Tin Star and projects by Walter Boyce.
In their own careers, both he and Leslie have worked on shows and films that have used the area as a backdrop.
“Every time I talk to producers or any kind of director, I always highlight Cochrane, especially after I read the script,” Steven said.
For location scouts, Cochrane offers a unique mix of scenery, from its river and hill landscapes to the historic Copithorne Ranch just south of town, a favourite for westerns.
“Cochrane encapsulates a lot of what’s been coming out lately,” Steven explained. “It’s also flexible. When location managers are looking for modern-day settings, or even ones that go back to the seventies, eighties, or nineties, Cochrane still fits that bill.”
Since their CSA win, the McMichaels have stayed busy with projects that continue to put Cochrane on the map. Steven recently wrapped filming The Gambit, this time stepping into the role of director, which included scenes shot at Cochrane High. Leslie is currently working on the TV series Anna Pigeon, which will also feature scenes filmed in the town.
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